Merry Christmas to all of you. We find ourselves inside of this sixth day of the octave of Christmas where liturgically we continue to find ourselves on Christmas Day itself until the end of this octave which comes to its conclusion with the celebration of Mary the Mother of God on January 1st. We also continue to find ourselves within the season of Christmas until the conclusion of our celebration of the Baptism of The Lord on January 13th. The season of Christmas reminds us of the importance of "the word made flesh," and today we have the opportunity to celebrate the very fabric of our society which is the family. Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus which gives great direction to our families amidst the many voices that come to us from our culture. This family shows us our need to love and our need to do so through being informed by the faith that we share. If we can allow the Holy Family into our own families during this Christmas season we will see great transformation take place.
Gadium et Spes, a document of the Second Vatican Council, was concerned with speaking about the role of the Church within the modern world. Within this document time was spent to dwell upon the gift of married life and the family. This section reflected upon the importance of a man and woman giving to each other mutually out of love. In this mutual giving of self the man and woman can achieve holiness through their vocation and bring forth new life. It also reflected upon the necessity that exists for the parents to hand on the faith to their children. The children also have a role to play in helping to aid their parents in holiness. They can achieve this necessary role by obedience and by standing by their parents during hardships and the reality of old age. All of these attributes of the family should be common sense to us, but of course they are not always respected and lived out within our culture and even within our own families.
On December 8th in the year 2009 Pope Benedict said: "Every day, in the newspapers, television and radio, evil is told to us, said again, amplified, so that we get used to the most horrible things and become desensitized... In a certain way, it poisons us, because the negative is never fully cleansed out of our system but accumulates day after day. The heart hardens, and thoughts become gloomy." I believe that these attitudes that Pope Benedict was pointing towards can be found within our own lives and within our own families. In some way we have all become desensitized through the use of media. We are constantly being shown images which clash with the Church's understanding of the family. We are told that the family is an unstable entity where the bond of marriage is not necessary. We are told that marriage itself has been separated from the creation of life and therefore nothing is more important then our own self gratification. Even children are expressed as being radical and thus not needing to be obedient to their own parents.
The Holy Family challenges each of us here to something more. Through the relationship that is found within the lives of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus we are being challenged to allow our lives to circle around our relationship and trust in God. In the Holy Family proper respect and love for each member of the household is found. Joseph respected his wife because he trusted in the gift that was given to her by God and did cast her off from his midst. Mary gave of herself fully to the point of having to watch her own son suffer upon the wood of the cross. Christ continually showed his respect and obedience for his family through his words and deeds. We must remember that following our Gospel reading from today that he went home and remained obedient to his family for eighteen more years before beginning his public ministry. The Holy Family shows us the proof that we can strive for love, patience, forgiveness, humility, compassion, obedience, and all other virtues within our own homes.
Instead of allowing the voices of the media to be the formators of our homes we should turn towards the Holy Family for this assistance. Fathers should turn towards Saint Joseph to receive their example for fatherhood. Saint Joseph was chaste, prudent, just, obedient, and faithful in his life which all make up the attributes of a good husband and father. Mothers should turn towards the Blessed Virgin Mary as their example for motherhood. We know that she was pure, had a loving heart, was obedient, was faithful to God, and loved her son dearly. These are the attributes that are important for both mothers and wives. Children should also look to Christ to receive their formation because he was obedient and loving towards his family. With so many shows and attitudes that exist which attack the true relationship of the family we should be on our guard to protect our own family. We should realize that many of these images that come to us are contrary to what is seen in the perfect model of the family found in Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. It was no mistake that Jesus was found by his family inside of the temple because it was here that his Father dwelt and he realized his own divinity. In our own homes may we also go to God instead of reaching out to the many other things which always come up short in filling the void found in our hearts.
Through the intercession of the Holy Family may we allow our families to be transformed. May we allow our families to be informed by faith instead of being informed by popular opinion. May we take time within our own homes to grow close together through the use of prayer instead of racing after the unending list of things that we must do that constantly pulls us away from our family. May we realize our need to be true fathers, true mothers, and true children by living out the example that has been given to us by the Holy Family.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
Feast of the Holy Innocents Homily
Merry Christmas. Today we find ourselves on this fourth day of the Octave of Christmas where we celebrate this Feast of the Holy Innocents. This day is unlike the Feast of Saint Stephen which was celebrated on Wednesday. Saint Stephen was able to face martyrdom through his acceptance of the Christian faith. The Holy Innocents were mere children and thus unable to accept the faith for themselves. Despite this fact they were put to death due to Christ's coming into the world.
This feast should make us think of all the innocent lives that are lost and are abused. The life that is lost through the sin of abortion. The life that was lost a few weeks ago in Sandy Hook, Connecticut through the tragic shooting. The many children who are abused within the world. Even ourselves in the times that we have been treated unfairly or have treated others unfairly. May we allow the Holy Innocents to guide us in our prayer for all of these souls and to help us along our path towards the Christ child.
Christ was also an innocent child who came into the world and was eventually led to the wood of the cross to die for each of us. May we continue in this Christmas season to draw our lives towards the Christ child in all that we do.
This feast should make us think of all the innocent lives that are lost and are abused. The life that is lost through the sin of abortion. The life that was lost a few weeks ago in Sandy Hook, Connecticut through the tragic shooting. The many children who are abused within the world. Even ourselves in the times that we have been treated unfairly or have treated others unfairly. May we allow the Holy Innocents to guide us in our prayer for all of these souls and to help us along our path towards the Christ child.
Christ was also an innocent child who came into the world and was eventually led to the wood of the cross to die for each of us. May we continue in this Christmas season to draw our lives towards the Christ child in all that we do.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Christmas Day Homily
If you were to poll the people prior to coming to Mass on Christmas about what Gospel they would hear that day I am sure that the vast majority would point towards one of the infancy narratives that are found in Matthew or Luke. These are after all the stories that we are most comfortable with because we have fashioned Christmas plays and even the manger scene after them. These Gospel accounts have given us a glimpse into the journey that Mary made with her child and the joy that was brought into the world through His birth. Today we instead hear from the Gospel of Saint John where we are told that "the word became flesh and dwelt among us." This one verse of Sacred Scripture tells us about the profound event that we celebrate on this Christmas Day. When we glance at the manger we see the infant Jesus who lays inside of the crib. I believe we often realize the importance that birth plays in the life of Christ as a child, but fail to truly ponder upon the reality that Christ is both fully divine and fully human.
When the word became flesh we end up having a great tension that is taking place. We should ask ourselves how it is possible that God would take on human flesh and come to the world to dwell with each of us. In this event we should wonder how the mighty creator of the universe ,who is God, is able to join in our own frailty by taking on human suffering. We know that the angels were created prior to humanity and thus find themselves to be close to God in creation. If that were true, then why would God want to come into such a frail existence. The angels pondered this question because some of them found this news to be so surprising that they turned away from God. Through their own choice they desired to fall away from God and thus fall into the darkness of despair. They followed after their own path of pride instead of realizing the great love that is being brought into the world through Christ's birth. On this day may we see the love that God brings into our lives through this event.
In the event of Christ's birth we are having a great expression of love that is being brought into our lives that in time will see its completion upon the wood of the cross. But for now Christ lays comfortable on the wood of the crib as Saints Joseph and Mary look on with great joy. It is through this great event of God's love brought into the world that all flock around this manger. It is through this event that we come here this day desiring to enter more and more into God's divine love. From our letter from Hebrews we know that the divine love of God was shown to each of our ancestors and continues to be shown to us. From the fall of humanity the glimmer of God's love still shined despite Adam and Eve's sin. This is the same unchanging God who came before Moses and Abraham who now comes before us as the Christ child. With the coming of the Christ child all knees bend to the great king who dwells here with us because through this action the love that all the prophets were pointing towards could finally be fulfilled.
The fulfillment of Sacred Scripture was made manifest through this miraculous birth. In this miraculous birth, God who has no form took on the form of humanity by taking on human flesh. In this great offering of love new life has been brought into each of our lives. From the darkness that is found within sin we are given the hope of new life. The light of Christ shines upon each of us during this Christmas morning desiring to bring this profound message of love into our lives. We participate today in an event which is historical and yet transcends history. We still celebrate and relive the great moment when "the word became flesh." On this dark night the light of God shun forth through this child. As we continue our search for truth and hope from within our world we must go to Christ to allow Him to bring light into our darkest moments. This will be the greatest hope that we have because without "the word becoming flesh" God would always remain at a distance instead of sharing in our very humanity.
On this Christmas Day may we take the time out of our busy schedules to ponder what our lives would be like if Christ was never born of the virgin. Without this miraculous birth God would always have remained at a distance, but luckily God came to dwell with us. May we use our time to continue to dwell with God and to allow God to bring the light of hope into our lives. We must remember that God became flesh in order to save all men and women from their enslavement. No matter how we find ourselves enslaved may we look to Christ's Nativity to see a glimmer of hope. A glimmer of hope always shines forth from this crib of the manger because it was here that God had come into the world to dwell with us. If we mourn the loss of a loved one hope can still be found at the bedside of this manger because God desires to be with us. If we fear this upcoming year and what it will bring into our lives may we allow Christ to lead us forth on our journey as He went forth from that manger into the world. No matter what pain, joy, and fear that we may feel may we trust in faith that God took flesh and dwelt among us out of love.
This same love that was felt on the night of the Nativity is continued to be felt in the sacraments of the Church. On the night of the last supper Christ took bread in His Hands and looking to Heaven said "this is my Body." At that moment Christ came to dwell inside of the Holy Eucharist out of love because through this act He desired to continue to dwell with each of us. At this Mass, on this most Holy Night, we rejoice at the word made flesh and the reality that Christ continues to dwell among us through His Flesh and Blood that is found in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. We give praise and honor this day at the fact that "For us men and our salvation he came down from Heaven and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man." On most Sundays we bow following this statement that "he became man," but today we kneel in awe at this statement of love where God came to dwell with us!
When the word became flesh we end up having a great tension that is taking place. We should ask ourselves how it is possible that God would take on human flesh and come to the world to dwell with each of us. In this event we should wonder how the mighty creator of the universe ,who is God, is able to join in our own frailty by taking on human suffering. We know that the angels were created prior to humanity and thus find themselves to be close to God in creation. If that were true, then why would God want to come into such a frail existence. The angels pondered this question because some of them found this news to be so surprising that they turned away from God. Through their own choice they desired to fall away from God and thus fall into the darkness of despair. They followed after their own path of pride instead of realizing the great love that is being brought into the world through Christ's birth. On this day may we see the love that God brings into our lives through this event.
In the event of Christ's birth we are having a great expression of love that is being brought into our lives that in time will see its completion upon the wood of the cross. But for now Christ lays comfortable on the wood of the crib as Saints Joseph and Mary look on with great joy. It is through this great event of God's love brought into the world that all flock around this manger. It is through this event that we come here this day desiring to enter more and more into God's divine love. From our letter from Hebrews we know that the divine love of God was shown to each of our ancestors and continues to be shown to us. From the fall of humanity the glimmer of God's love still shined despite Adam and Eve's sin. This is the same unchanging God who came before Moses and Abraham who now comes before us as the Christ child. With the coming of the Christ child all knees bend to the great king who dwells here with us because through this action the love that all the prophets were pointing towards could finally be fulfilled.
The fulfillment of Sacred Scripture was made manifest through this miraculous birth. In this miraculous birth, God who has no form took on the form of humanity by taking on human flesh. In this great offering of love new life has been brought into each of our lives. From the darkness that is found within sin we are given the hope of new life. The light of Christ shines upon each of us during this Christmas morning desiring to bring this profound message of love into our lives. We participate today in an event which is historical and yet transcends history. We still celebrate and relive the great moment when "the word became flesh." On this dark night the light of God shun forth through this child. As we continue our search for truth and hope from within our world we must go to Christ to allow Him to bring light into our darkest moments. This will be the greatest hope that we have because without "the word becoming flesh" God would always remain at a distance instead of sharing in our very humanity.
On this Christmas Day may we take the time out of our busy schedules to ponder what our lives would be like if Christ was never born of the virgin. Without this miraculous birth God would always have remained at a distance, but luckily God came to dwell with us. May we use our time to continue to dwell with God and to allow God to bring the light of hope into our lives. We must remember that God became flesh in order to save all men and women from their enslavement. No matter how we find ourselves enslaved may we look to Christ's Nativity to see a glimmer of hope. A glimmer of hope always shines forth from this crib of the manger because it was here that God had come into the world to dwell with us. If we mourn the loss of a loved one hope can still be found at the bedside of this manger because God desires to be with us. If we fear this upcoming year and what it will bring into our lives may we allow Christ to lead us forth on our journey as He went forth from that manger into the world. No matter what pain, joy, and fear that we may feel may we trust in faith that God took flesh and dwelt among us out of love.
This same love that was felt on the night of the Nativity is continued to be felt in the sacraments of the Church. On the night of the last supper Christ took bread in His Hands and looking to Heaven said "this is my Body." At that moment Christ came to dwell inside of the Holy Eucharist out of love because through this act He desired to continue to dwell with each of us. At this Mass, on this most Holy Night, we rejoice at the word made flesh and the reality that Christ continues to dwell among us through His Flesh and Blood that is found in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. We give praise and honor this day at the fact that "For us men and our salvation he came down from Heaven and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man." On most Sundays we bow following this statement that "he became man," but today we kneel in awe at this statement of love where God came to dwell with us!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
3rd Sun of Advent Year C Homily
If you have taken any notice to the look and feel of the liturgy during these past two weeks of Advent you will realize that things have taken on a more penitential attitude. We are accustomed to singing "Glory to God in the Highest" prior to the opening prayer of the Mass, but in Advent we do not use this joyful hymn. It is normal to walk into the Church and see it decorated with many beautiful flowers, but in Advent they cannot be found. The music also takes this penitential form because it reflects the season that we are currently inside. Even the white garment that I wear called an alb reflects the attitude of this season because it is plain and is not adorned with any lace. If we look to the banners hanging high upon the wall we notice the liturgical color of the season which is violet. This color calls us to a penitential attitude where we prepare ourselves for something and ask of the Lord's mercy upon our sinfulness. Today we remain inside of the season of Advent, but are reminded of our need to rejoice.
In the Church this third Sunday of Advent is known as "Gaudete Sunday" which is Latin for "rejoice." On this Sunday we have a lot to rejoice about because we realize that the coming of the Christ child is drawing near. As we rejoice on this day we remain inside of the season of Advent, but should realize our need to rejoice. Our liturgy reflects this reality as we continue to move ourselves closer to Christ's birth. The music begins to pick up with this tone of rejoicing. As you can tell we take a break from wearing violet and get to wear the liturgical color of rose. This is only one of two appearances that rose makes during the liturgical year. The other time that it is worn is when we take a break from the penitential character during one Sunday of Lent. And so as the Church begins to rejoice inside of this great season we should begin to do the same. As each of us here continues to prepare for the coming of Christ we rejoice at the fact that he will be coming very soon within the Christmas season.
Saint Paul bluntly instructs the Philippians to rejoice. They should be filled with joy because the Lord's coming is ever drawing nearer. They are instructed that they should not be filled with anxiety at his arrival because this is a good thing to prepare for. We likewise should not be filled with anxiety as we continue to prepare for the Lord's coming. It can become easy to fall into seeing God and Christ as a judge who sits in the sky judging us for all that we do. If this is our experience of God then anxiety at His arrival would become very understandable. God is truly full of love and we can see this from the mutual sharing that is found inside of the Holy Trinity. Anytime that we fall away from God's love we are turning towards ourselves and away from this life giving love. There is much rejoicing for each sinner who returns to God with a repentant heart because they are returning to God's great overflowing of love. We should not await the coming of Christ with anxiety because with His coming excitement can be found through the abundance of love that He brings into our lives.
Our first reading shows the great excitement that should be had for the one that is to come. There is a realization that we should no longer be filled with discouragement because The Lord is prepared to enter into our midst. In a matter of days we will have the opportunity to sing joyfully because God has come into the world as man. The sin that has been brought into the world has caused reason for fear, but with Christ present in our midst we have nothing to fear because forgiveness is constantly being showered upon each of us. Our rejoicing should be centered upon the reality that Christ is fully divine and yet fully human and through His Sacrificial action has brought salvation into each of our lives. May we constantly challenge ourselves to turn away from our enemy of sin because through this action we can draw ourselves closer to Christ who gives us reason to rejoice with all the angels of Heaven this day.
The crowds whom we encounter in today's Gospel reading had the realization that their baptism required something more from them. Saint John the Baptist told them of the many things that they needed to do within their lives because the coming of the Messiah was quickly approaching. We should join with this crowd today in asking ourselves what we should do to prepare for this moment. We should be prepared to leave the barrenness of everyday life behind and trust in The Lord our God who is coming into our lives to bring us reason to rejoice. When we remain stuck in the barrenness of sin and the many tragedies that can be found within the world it is easy to see no reason to rejoice. It is only through turning our hearts towards the infinite love of Christ that we can move forward with reason to rejoice. We have all heard of the tragic shooting in a Connecticut school by now and are filled with sorrow at this horrendous crime that brought about the death of many people including that of children. We look upon this and similar crimes with sorrow, but despite them we must trust in The Lord who has come into our midst. He is our only hope that death and sin does not have the final say within our lives and for that we still have reason to rejoice.
In the midst of our own sinfulness and the sorrow that comes with any tragedy may we rejoice this day at the coming of the Christ child. We realize that the world is far from a perfect place, but despite that we have hope that is found within the coming of Christ. He came into the world and redeemed each of us through His death upon the cross thus giving meaning and hope to our lives. May we use the few days that we have left inside of this season to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Messiah for on this day we have true reason to rejoice. May we cry out to The Lord with joy and gladness as we continue to prepare ourselves for His coming.
In the Church this third Sunday of Advent is known as "Gaudete Sunday" which is Latin for "rejoice." On this Sunday we have a lot to rejoice about because we realize that the coming of the Christ child is drawing near. As we rejoice on this day we remain inside of the season of Advent, but should realize our need to rejoice. Our liturgy reflects this reality as we continue to move ourselves closer to Christ's birth. The music begins to pick up with this tone of rejoicing. As you can tell we take a break from wearing violet and get to wear the liturgical color of rose. This is only one of two appearances that rose makes during the liturgical year. The other time that it is worn is when we take a break from the penitential character during one Sunday of Lent. And so as the Church begins to rejoice inside of this great season we should begin to do the same. As each of us here continues to prepare for the coming of Christ we rejoice at the fact that he will be coming very soon within the Christmas season.
Saint Paul bluntly instructs the Philippians to rejoice. They should be filled with joy because the Lord's coming is ever drawing nearer. They are instructed that they should not be filled with anxiety at his arrival because this is a good thing to prepare for. We likewise should not be filled with anxiety as we continue to prepare for the Lord's coming. It can become easy to fall into seeing God and Christ as a judge who sits in the sky judging us for all that we do. If this is our experience of God then anxiety at His arrival would become very understandable. God is truly full of love and we can see this from the mutual sharing that is found inside of the Holy Trinity. Anytime that we fall away from God's love we are turning towards ourselves and away from this life giving love. There is much rejoicing for each sinner who returns to God with a repentant heart because they are returning to God's great overflowing of love. We should not await the coming of Christ with anxiety because with His coming excitement can be found through the abundance of love that He brings into our lives.
Our first reading shows the great excitement that should be had for the one that is to come. There is a realization that we should no longer be filled with discouragement because The Lord is prepared to enter into our midst. In a matter of days we will have the opportunity to sing joyfully because God has come into the world as man. The sin that has been brought into the world has caused reason for fear, but with Christ present in our midst we have nothing to fear because forgiveness is constantly being showered upon each of us. Our rejoicing should be centered upon the reality that Christ is fully divine and yet fully human and through His Sacrificial action has brought salvation into each of our lives. May we constantly challenge ourselves to turn away from our enemy of sin because through this action we can draw ourselves closer to Christ who gives us reason to rejoice with all the angels of Heaven this day.
The crowds whom we encounter in today's Gospel reading had the realization that their baptism required something more from them. Saint John the Baptist told them of the many things that they needed to do within their lives because the coming of the Messiah was quickly approaching. We should join with this crowd today in asking ourselves what we should do to prepare for this moment. We should be prepared to leave the barrenness of everyday life behind and trust in The Lord our God who is coming into our lives to bring us reason to rejoice. When we remain stuck in the barrenness of sin and the many tragedies that can be found within the world it is easy to see no reason to rejoice. It is only through turning our hearts towards the infinite love of Christ that we can move forward with reason to rejoice. We have all heard of the tragic shooting in a Connecticut school by now and are filled with sorrow at this horrendous crime that brought about the death of many people including that of children. We look upon this and similar crimes with sorrow, but despite them we must trust in The Lord who has come into our midst. He is our only hope that death and sin does not have the final say within our lives and for that we still have reason to rejoice.
In the midst of our own sinfulness and the sorrow that comes with any tragedy may we rejoice this day at the coming of the Christ child. We realize that the world is far from a perfect place, but despite that we have hope that is found within the coming of Christ. He came into the world and redeemed each of us through His death upon the cross thus giving meaning and hope to our lives. May we use the few days that we have left inside of this season to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Messiah for on this day we have true reason to rejoice. May we cry out to The Lord with joy and gladness as we continue to prepare ourselves for His coming.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
2nd Sun of Advent Year C Homily
Now that we have entered into the season of Advent I have been very busy with penance services around the diocese. This coming Friday at 7pm our parish will hold our penance service. One of the blogs that I often read quoted a priest who used his homily from the first week of Advent to tell the people what he wanted from the parish community for his Christmas gift. Instead of being concerned with money or food it was his desire that the people of his parish would go to confession. I would like to extend this same invitation to you this day. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is something that each of us needs in our lives and is the perfect way for us to prepare ourselves for the Christmas season. Through Confession we are able to express the reality that we sin, but from it we are able to receive healing from Christ's infinite mercy. There is nobody here, myself included, who is not in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a way to enter into this profound mercy.
Our first reading tells Jerusalem to take off its "robe of mourning and misery." In the place of this robe we should be adorned with the "splendor of glory from God." Our sins have clothed us inside of this mourning and misery, but despite them the hope of God's Heavenly splendor remains. Saint Augustine said that we must stand upon our sins and they will lift us up to God. This is a very profound image to think about because it shows that we can conquer our sinfulness. This image shows that no matter how much we fall into sin or how vile that sin may be we can still come to conquer them. There is always hope to be found if we only attempt to do something. When we lose hope and do nothing our sins begin to stand upon us. They wrap us inside of this sorrowful robe and it seems that all hope has been lost. This feeling of the loss of hope is a great lie that the evil one sends into our lives because hope always remains as long as we reach out with sorrow and call upon the splendor that is found inside of God's mercy.
And so my brothers and sisters in Christ we must ask ourselves what is keeping us from reaching out for the "fruit of righteousness." Here among us we find people who reach out for this fruit often, others who at least come for it twice a year for penance services, those who have gone years without attempting to reach for it, and maybe even a few who have never reached out for this fruit at all. To those who come to the Sacrament of Penance often I thank you for your great courage and encourage you to continue to endure in God's mercy. For you who come twice a year I challenge you to continue to allow yourselves to stand upon your sins and to do so as often as possible. For you who have gone many years without searching out this mercy I encourage you to overcome your fear of sin and return to the sacrament of Christ's mercy. To those who have never entered into this great sacrament do not fear because your sins can be forgiven and the priest can aid you in making a good first confession.
When we fall into sin we are following a road that is far from straight. The road that sin leads us down is filled with many twists and turns. Falling into sin gets us lost inside of our own chaos and makes it impossible for us to find a way out from this entrapment. If we leave finding a way out of this misery up to our own resources we will always remain lost without a glimmer of hope. Instead of trusting in our own resources we must turn to Christ who will make the way straight. With His assistance inside of our life we can finally move about with purpose instead of getting lost within the chaos. To turn towards the mercy of Christ will help us to realize that our sins are nothing compared to Christ's love and mercy. In sinfulness we have turned away from the love that God showers upon us and have trusted in ourselves alone. Turning towards Christ's mercy we realize our need for this perfect love to enter back into our lives. May we not allow fear to be the thing that gets in the way from this taking place.
May we not allow fear to be the thing that keeps us away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Satan wants us to think that we do not need or are unworthy of receiving this Sacrament. Let us no longer allow the devil to take control of our lives, but instead banish his lying voice from our ears. Instead of allowing the father of lies to fill all our minds with chaos let us turn towards the voice of John which comes from the wilderness pointing the way to The Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation points the way to The Lord out to each of us and from it comes the hope of God's mercy coming into our lives to make the path straight. In confession we do not come before a man to receive forgiveness, but come to Christ the Divine Healer. Christ the Divine Healer who is able to forgive sins and fix the brokenness of our hearts and to reconcile the effects that our sins have brought upon the community of faith. In the midst of this Divine Healer the voice of the father of lies can finally be silenced from within our lives.
As we continue to prepare ourselves during this season of Advent let us reflect upon our lives and ask ourselves what sins we have committed since our last confession and then not run in fear of them. Instead of running away may we bring them to the Sacrament of Reconciliation that brings mercy and forgiveness into our lives. In Confession we do not have to give details or excuses, but only need to put a name to our sins. In naming them with a contrite heart we are able to be assured of the mercy of God. Let us not take the risk that comes with avoiding confession because that risk is not worth it. Instead of taking the daily risk that comes with avoiding confession may we flock to this sacrament as we flock to the Holy Eucharist. Let us keep in mind 1 Corinthians 11:29 which states: "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgement upon himself." In our examination of conscience let us realize our need for mercy because it is connected to the Holy Eucharist that we receive.
Our first reading tells Jerusalem to take off its "robe of mourning and misery." In the place of this robe we should be adorned with the "splendor of glory from God." Our sins have clothed us inside of this mourning and misery, but despite them the hope of God's Heavenly splendor remains. Saint Augustine said that we must stand upon our sins and they will lift us up to God. This is a very profound image to think about because it shows that we can conquer our sinfulness. This image shows that no matter how much we fall into sin or how vile that sin may be we can still come to conquer them. There is always hope to be found if we only attempt to do something. When we lose hope and do nothing our sins begin to stand upon us. They wrap us inside of this sorrowful robe and it seems that all hope has been lost. This feeling of the loss of hope is a great lie that the evil one sends into our lives because hope always remains as long as we reach out with sorrow and call upon the splendor that is found inside of God's mercy.
And so my brothers and sisters in Christ we must ask ourselves what is keeping us from reaching out for the "fruit of righteousness." Here among us we find people who reach out for this fruit often, others who at least come for it twice a year for penance services, those who have gone years without attempting to reach for it, and maybe even a few who have never reached out for this fruit at all. To those who come to the Sacrament of Penance often I thank you for your great courage and encourage you to continue to endure in God's mercy. For you who come twice a year I challenge you to continue to allow yourselves to stand upon your sins and to do so as often as possible. For you who have gone many years without searching out this mercy I encourage you to overcome your fear of sin and return to the sacrament of Christ's mercy. To those who have never entered into this great sacrament do not fear because your sins can be forgiven and the priest can aid you in making a good first confession.
When we fall into sin we are following a road that is far from straight. The road that sin leads us down is filled with many twists and turns. Falling into sin gets us lost inside of our own chaos and makes it impossible for us to find a way out from this entrapment. If we leave finding a way out of this misery up to our own resources we will always remain lost without a glimmer of hope. Instead of trusting in our own resources we must turn to Christ who will make the way straight. With His assistance inside of our life we can finally move about with purpose instead of getting lost within the chaos. To turn towards the mercy of Christ will help us to realize that our sins are nothing compared to Christ's love and mercy. In sinfulness we have turned away from the love that God showers upon us and have trusted in ourselves alone. Turning towards Christ's mercy we realize our need for this perfect love to enter back into our lives. May we not allow fear to be the thing that gets in the way from this taking place.
May we not allow fear to be the thing that keeps us away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Satan wants us to think that we do not need or are unworthy of receiving this Sacrament. Let us no longer allow the devil to take control of our lives, but instead banish his lying voice from our ears. Instead of allowing the father of lies to fill all our minds with chaos let us turn towards the voice of John which comes from the wilderness pointing the way to The Lord. The Sacrament of Reconciliation points the way to The Lord out to each of us and from it comes the hope of God's mercy coming into our lives to make the path straight. In confession we do not come before a man to receive forgiveness, but come to Christ the Divine Healer. Christ the Divine Healer who is able to forgive sins and fix the brokenness of our hearts and to reconcile the effects that our sins have brought upon the community of faith. In the midst of this Divine Healer the voice of the father of lies can finally be silenced from within our lives.
As we continue to prepare ourselves during this season of Advent let us reflect upon our lives and ask ourselves what sins we have committed since our last confession and then not run in fear of them. Instead of running away may we bring them to the Sacrament of Reconciliation that brings mercy and forgiveness into our lives. In Confession we do not have to give details or excuses, but only need to put a name to our sins. In naming them with a contrite heart we are able to be assured of the mercy of God. Let us not take the risk that comes with avoiding confession because that risk is not worth it. Instead of taking the daily risk that comes with avoiding confession may we flock to this sacrament as we flock to the Holy Eucharist. Let us keep in mind 1 Corinthians 11:29 which states: "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgement upon himself." In our examination of conscience let us realize our need for mercy because it is connected to the Holy Eucharist that we receive.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Immaculate Conception Homily
Getting lost inside of an unknown area can be a very scary thing. It can especially become scary once the sun goes down and we are surrounded by darkness. When driving one turn can quickly get us into a lot of trouble that might require a lot of time in order to get back onto track. Maps or GPS technology can be very helpful in getting reoriented to the correct path, but even here it might take more time then we would like to get things figured out. This is especially true when we hear "recalculating route" being repeated over and over again in our ears. Once it finally has it figured out we do not have the time to react and then we are left repeating all the steps all over again. We might get so frustrated with this process that we decide that there is no hope especially when we have been led down a path where we encounter unmoving traffic. Sin has many paths that always led us into getting lost without hope. Sin leads us into getting upset and falling into despair.
Glancing at the world we can see a lot of stuff that can quickly make us upset. Everywhere that we look it seems that we can find some place where sin has entered into the human existence and we now find ourselves to be lost. With this giant burden that has fallen upon us we must continually battle the desire to fall into despair. No matter how grim the human existence seems to be we cannot fall into despair because hope always remains. Today we gather to celebrate this solemnity of hope. In the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary we can always find hope. Hope remains that from the darkness of sin the light of new life always shines forth. Our Blessed Mother brings this great light into the darkness of our lives and hope is given that we can come to conquer the death of sin. The death of sin was never allowed to touch the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was chosen by God before time to be the vessel that would carry our Divine Saviour into the world.
Her "yes" to the angel Gabriel can still be felt to this day because from it came the hope that a Saviour would be brought into the world who would save all from their sinfulness. This exchange was only possible because she was a woman without the stain of sin. Christ could never come to dwell in the womb of an impure object because he was completely pure and without sin. The Immaculate Conception brought this possibility into the world because from it Mary was conceived without sin. Without the Immaculate Conception taking place it would of been impossible for the Annunciation to take place. Without the Immaculate Conception the sin of Adam and Eve that we inherit would of been impossible to be overcome. Her Son, Jesus, is the new Adam while she is the new Eve. Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, but Christ and Mary were able to triumph over its grasp. From this reality great hope can be found within the event of the Immaculate Conception.
As we continue to prepare ourselves during this Advent season for the birth of Christ may we realize the importance that the Immaculate Conception plays within that event. Through the Immaculate Conception Mary was set apart because she never knew sin. From the moment of her Conception onward she began to prepare herself for the arrival of her son. Her life was set apart, so that in due time Christ would come to dwell within the world. Mary now dwells with her Son in Heaven above and she reaches out to each of us this day who need to use this season of Advent to prepare for the arrival of her Son. She desires to bring that light of her son into our lives as we prepare for this important moment. With the reception of this bright light the darkness of sin is able to be erased from our lives. May we trust in allowing Mary to help us prepare for the arrival of her son. From the event of the Immaculate Conception she knows a lot about the preparation that is necessary within our lives.
And so what are the preparations that we need to make during this season? Through these preparations that we must undertake we can begin to move ourselves closer to Christ. We can help our faith to grow a new during this season. We can learn how to silence the many voices of the world and be led into the silence of prayer. We can see how material possessions are nothing compared to having family and Christ present within our lives. We can see that we can move ourselves closer to God each day only if we begin to put a little work into it. Mary points out the path to all of these changes that must occur within our life. She is the reminder that the sin of Adam and Eve could not conquer humanity. When we come to her great embrace she takes not worship of herself, but always draws us closer to Christ. In the event of the Immaculate Conception she was set apart by God from sin, and now encourages us with great hope to stay connected to God always. She is the beacon that shines in the world leading us away from the various things that have made us lost within our lives. Through following this beacon that shines out we can finally be reoriented towards Christ and His love. The Immaculate Conception is the marvelous deed that God has worked within our world showing His desire that each of us will continue to have hope that we will not be left lost among the weight of sin and despair.
Glancing at the world we can see a lot of stuff that can quickly make us upset. Everywhere that we look it seems that we can find some place where sin has entered into the human existence and we now find ourselves to be lost. With this giant burden that has fallen upon us we must continually battle the desire to fall into despair. No matter how grim the human existence seems to be we cannot fall into despair because hope always remains. Today we gather to celebrate this solemnity of hope. In the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary we can always find hope. Hope remains that from the darkness of sin the light of new life always shines forth. Our Blessed Mother brings this great light into the darkness of our lives and hope is given that we can come to conquer the death of sin. The death of sin was never allowed to touch the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was chosen by God before time to be the vessel that would carry our Divine Saviour into the world.
Her "yes" to the angel Gabriel can still be felt to this day because from it came the hope that a Saviour would be brought into the world who would save all from their sinfulness. This exchange was only possible because she was a woman without the stain of sin. Christ could never come to dwell in the womb of an impure object because he was completely pure and without sin. The Immaculate Conception brought this possibility into the world because from it Mary was conceived without sin. Without the Immaculate Conception taking place it would of been impossible for the Annunciation to take place. Without the Immaculate Conception the sin of Adam and Eve that we inherit would of been impossible to be overcome. Her Son, Jesus, is the new Adam while she is the new Eve. Adam and Eve brought sin into the world, but Christ and Mary were able to triumph over its grasp. From this reality great hope can be found within the event of the Immaculate Conception.
As we continue to prepare ourselves during this Advent season for the birth of Christ may we realize the importance that the Immaculate Conception plays within that event. Through the Immaculate Conception Mary was set apart because she never knew sin. From the moment of her Conception onward she began to prepare herself for the arrival of her son. Her life was set apart, so that in due time Christ would come to dwell within the world. Mary now dwells with her Son in Heaven above and she reaches out to each of us this day who need to use this season of Advent to prepare for the arrival of her Son. She desires to bring that light of her son into our lives as we prepare for this important moment. With the reception of this bright light the darkness of sin is able to be erased from our lives. May we trust in allowing Mary to help us prepare for the arrival of her son. From the event of the Immaculate Conception she knows a lot about the preparation that is necessary within our lives.
And so what are the preparations that we need to make during this season? Through these preparations that we must undertake we can begin to move ourselves closer to Christ. We can help our faith to grow a new during this season. We can learn how to silence the many voices of the world and be led into the silence of prayer. We can see how material possessions are nothing compared to having family and Christ present within our lives. We can see that we can move ourselves closer to God each day only if we begin to put a little work into it. Mary points out the path to all of these changes that must occur within our life. She is the reminder that the sin of Adam and Eve could not conquer humanity. When we come to her great embrace she takes not worship of herself, but always draws us closer to Christ. In the event of the Immaculate Conception she was set apart by God from sin, and now encourages us with great hope to stay connected to God always. She is the beacon that shines in the world leading us away from the various things that have made us lost within our lives. Through following this beacon that shines out we can finally be reoriented towards Christ and His love. The Immaculate Conception is the marvelous deed that God has worked within our world showing His desire that each of us will continue to have hope that we will not be left lost among the weight of sin and despair.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
1st Sun of Advent Year C Homily
The week after Thanksgiving has arrived and with it we desire to prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christmas. In order to prepare ourselves we have a lot of decorating to do, lots of shopping, a plethora of Knights of Columbus Christmas cards to fill out, and maybe even some planning of parties. Despite the fact that Christmas is coming we must also remember that we find ourselves in Advent and with it comes lots of preparation for Christmas. This season is a time to look at ourselves and at the world and ask how we can better prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christ. This preparation requires us to look change in the eyes and to do something about it. This change effects the way we look upon the world, at ourselves, and at the faith.
Pope Benedict XVI in a recent General Audience spoke about the need that the Western World has to reclaim its faith and no longer be "dazzled by the glitter of worldliness." In this address he pointed towards the lack of integration of faith that people have inside of their lives and how this attitude has ultimately harmed Christianity. Our Holy Father pointed out that "the practical atheism of those who say they are Christian but live as if God does not exist is a bigger threat than actual atheism." "While actual atheists often think deeply about God before rejecting belief, practical atheism is even more destructive because it leads to indifference towards faith and the question of God." In the Western World Christianity has long enjoyed being the dominant religion where to not believe would require a true reason. With the tables now being overturned with this indifference of attitude we must reclaim the reason why we believe. We must ask ourselves how we can allow our faith to grow where we can once again believe.
In our Gospel reading we find ourselves being warned that we cannot become drowsy in our faith. The reality of the end of time is pointed out and we are being reminded of the need to not grow idle in our faith. To grow idle in our faith would be agreeing that we are fine living out the practical atheism that Pope Benedict warned about inside of his general audience. We cannot allow ourselves to grow comfortable in our faith giving way for us to become lazy and accepting of things that might be contrary to the faith. Instead we are being called to stay awake and to prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christ. The season of Advent is about preparing ourselves to be vigilant in our preparation for the reality that we will one day stand before the Son of Man. As we prepare ourselves to stand before the manger of Christ on Christmas morning during this great season of Advent we should work hard at using these four weeks to transform our lives from the moral and spiritual chaos that might be found in order to rediscover God.
Our second reading from the first book of Thessalonians gives us the challenge to continue to endure in the instructions that were given to us through The Lord Jesus. As we have been given these instructions by Christ we cannot turn away from them, but must continue to trust in The Lord all the more. Our first reading from Jeremiah reminded the people of the need to continue to live a life that is morally upright in the eyes of God. Despite all the hardships that these people have encountered they were given hope in the one who was to come. The days are indeed coming for us when The Lord will come into our lives through the season of Christmas. We now prepare ourselves for the arrival of this season during Advent. We must ask ourselves what ways we have grown indifferent to religion. We must ask ourselves where we continue to stumble along the path towards Christ. We must accept our many imperfections and allow Christ to take a hold of each of them as we hope that our faith can grow a new.
If we will ever be able to overcome these hardships we must begin to work on three things within our world. Firstly, we must have a concern to help restore the wonder of creation to the world. As a society we have lost our ability to look upon creation with wonder and instead desire to explain everything away avoiding the reality of a creative intelligence. Secondly, we must restore the wonder that is found within humanity. According to St. Augustine: "truth dwells in the heart of man." The problem that we face is a lack of time to reflect upon what is taking place within our hearts. We live in a very noisy and busy world and often fail to allow Christ to enter into our hearts through prayer. We must work on our ability to stop in the midst of this noise and return to God. Lastly, we must return to our understanding of faith. The breakdown of faith has led us away from encountering God each day who transforms our lives in every area possible. It is a no wonder that Pope Benedict has declared this year as the "Year of Faith."
As we enter into Advent with the invitation to be prepared may we do things that can aid us in rediscovering these important elements. Working hard with our understanding of the world, ourselves, and the faith that we share will assist us in overcoming the practical atheism that is so prevalent within our society. To challenge ourselves to grow in these three aspects we will be working hard to truly come to an understanding of the Christmas season that we are preparing for. May we look for ways during this time of preparation to reorient ourselves to the creative order of the world which brings about the fact that all was created by God. May we look for ways where we can silent our lives and return to allowing Christ to remain at life's center. This can be done through prayer at home, an hour before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, through the Holy Rosary, and through realizing our need for the Lord's mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May we search out ways that can help us to grow in our faith. Now would be the perfect time to enter a bible study group or to read a good book concerning the faith. Pope Benedict recently released his third and final installment of "Jesus of Nazareth" which conveniently concerns itself with the infancy narratives. This book or another one of spiritual significance would assist in our quest to reclaim our faith. During this season of Advent may we do all that is possible to lift up our soul to The Lord.
Pope Benedict XVI in a recent General Audience spoke about the need that the Western World has to reclaim its faith and no longer be "dazzled by the glitter of worldliness." In this address he pointed towards the lack of integration of faith that people have inside of their lives and how this attitude has ultimately harmed Christianity. Our Holy Father pointed out that "the practical atheism of those who say they are Christian but live as if God does not exist is a bigger threat than actual atheism." "While actual atheists often think deeply about God before rejecting belief, practical atheism is even more destructive because it leads to indifference towards faith and the question of God." In the Western World Christianity has long enjoyed being the dominant religion where to not believe would require a true reason. With the tables now being overturned with this indifference of attitude we must reclaim the reason why we believe. We must ask ourselves how we can allow our faith to grow where we can once again believe.
In our Gospel reading we find ourselves being warned that we cannot become drowsy in our faith. The reality of the end of time is pointed out and we are being reminded of the need to not grow idle in our faith. To grow idle in our faith would be agreeing that we are fine living out the practical atheism that Pope Benedict warned about inside of his general audience. We cannot allow ourselves to grow comfortable in our faith giving way for us to become lazy and accepting of things that might be contrary to the faith. Instead we are being called to stay awake and to prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christ. The season of Advent is about preparing ourselves to be vigilant in our preparation for the reality that we will one day stand before the Son of Man. As we prepare ourselves to stand before the manger of Christ on Christmas morning during this great season of Advent we should work hard at using these four weeks to transform our lives from the moral and spiritual chaos that might be found in order to rediscover God.
Our second reading from the first book of Thessalonians gives us the challenge to continue to endure in the instructions that were given to us through The Lord Jesus. As we have been given these instructions by Christ we cannot turn away from them, but must continue to trust in The Lord all the more. Our first reading from Jeremiah reminded the people of the need to continue to live a life that is morally upright in the eyes of God. Despite all the hardships that these people have encountered they were given hope in the one who was to come. The days are indeed coming for us when The Lord will come into our lives through the season of Christmas. We now prepare ourselves for the arrival of this season during Advent. We must ask ourselves what ways we have grown indifferent to religion. We must ask ourselves where we continue to stumble along the path towards Christ. We must accept our many imperfections and allow Christ to take a hold of each of them as we hope that our faith can grow a new.
If we will ever be able to overcome these hardships we must begin to work on three things within our world. Firstly, we must have a concern to help restore the wonder of creation to the world. As a society we have lost our ability to look upon creation with wonder and instead desire to explain everything away avoiding the reality of a creative intelligence. Secondly, we must restore the wonder that is found within humanity. According to St. Augustine: "truth dwells in the heart of man." The problem that we face is a lack of time to reflect upon what is taking place within our hearts. We live in a very noisy and busy world and often fail to allow Christ to enter into our hearts through prayer. We must work on our ability to stop in the midst of this noise and return to God. Lastly, we must return to our understanding of faith. The breakdown of faith has led us away from encountering God each day who transforms our lives in every area possible. It is a no wonder that Pope Benedict has declared this year as the "Year of Faith."
As we enter into Advent with the invitation to be prepared may we do things that can aid us in rediscovering these important elements. Working hard with our understanding of the world, ourselves, and the faith that we share will assist us in overcoming the practical atheism that is so prevalent within our society. To challenge ourselves to grow in these three aspects we will be working hard to truly come to an understanding of the Christmas season that we are preparing for. May we look for ways during this time of preparation to reorient ourselves to the creative order of the world which brings about the fact that all was created by God. May we look for ways where we can silent our lives and return to allowing Christ to remain at life's center. This can be done through prayer at home, an hour before our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, through the Holy Rosary, and through realizing our need for the Lord's mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May we search out ways that can help us to grow in our faith. Now would be the perfect time to enter a bible study group or to read a good book concerning the faith. Pope Benedict recently released his third and final installment of "Jesus of Nazareth" which conveniently concerns itself with the infancy narratives. This book or another one of spiritual significance would assist in our quest to reclaim our faith. During this season of Advent may we do all that is possible to lift up our soul to The Lord.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Mon 34th Week of OT Homily
It is good to see all of you here again. It feels as if it has been a million years since the last time we have had the opportunity for Mass. I say this because of the long Thanksgiving break that we have had and the many days that have gone by since any of our students have been able to join us for daily Mass. Of course when I say that it has been a million years since the last time we have gathered you know that I am speaking figuratively and am not speaking literally.
In our reading today we are told about the 144,000 who are seen with the Lamb. We can take this number literally and say that only 144,000 people will be invited to enter into the Heavenly Kingdom, but that number seems to be such a small amount of people. If that is the case chances are that we are doomed. We can also look at this number figuratively and attempt to see what is trying to be expressed by its use. If we were to take 12 ,which is a very figurative number within scripture, and multiply it by 12 we would end up with 144. These 144 people make up the 12 tribes of Israel which is to say that they have come from all people. Of course 144 seems like a small number, so multiplying again by 1,000 expresses the great multitude who will be present. We now come to the 144,000 people who are seen in Revelation and see that they are a great multitude of people. We are not being excluded from this great multitude, but are being invited each day to strive to enter into their ranks at the time of our death.
The woman in our Gospel gave all that she had because she understood what was required of her. She did not do it to shame God into giving her anything, but gave because she got it. She knew that because of her faith she had to empty herself out fully. May we take her example upon ourselves as we strive to join with the multitude of people who dwell in Heaven one day.
In our reading today we are told about the 144,000 who are seen with the Lamb. We can take this number literally and say that only 144,000 people will be invited to enter into the Heavenly Kingdom, but that number seems to be such a small amount of people. If that is the case chances are that we are doomed. We can also look at this number figuratively and attempt to see what is trying to be expressed by its use. If we were to take 12 ,which is a very figurative number within scripture, and multiply it by 12 we would end up with 144. These 144 people make up the 12 tribes of Israel which is to say that they have come from all people. Of course 144 seems like a small number, so multiplying again by 1,000 expresses the great multitude who will be present. We now come to the 144,000 people who are seen in Revelation and see that they are a great multitude of people. We are not being excluded from this great multitude, but are being invited each day to strive to enter into their ranks at the time of our death.
The woman in our Gospel gave all that she had because she understood what was required of her. She did not do it to shame God into giving her anything, but gave because she got it. She knew that because of her faith she had to empty herself out fully. May we take her example upon ourselves as we strive to join with the multitude of people who dwell in Heaven one day.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Christ the King Year B Homily
Our world is a very busy and fast paced place. From within it we can find many things that are at war to grab our attention. The average intention span can only be held for a few minutes before we are left searching for something else. We are left searching from within our own restlessness for the next big thing that will come along and fill us up. We can see this played out each year as the Black Friday sales continue to be pushed forward into Thanksgiving day. Giant televisions, laptops, clothing, and other items drop in price, so that the fight of the masses can take place in hope that you will walk away as the victor. As our liturgical year comes to a close we celebrate this day where we acknowledge Christ as our king. On this day we flock to Christ and place Him at the center of our attention and worship. This solemnity is the perfect way for us to end this liturgical year with focused minds as we enter into the season of Advent and begin to prepare ourselves for Christmas Day.
In our world we build up our own kingdoms surrounded by the many needs that we have. In building up each of these individual kingdoms we store up many worldly treasures for ourselves without always allowing ourselves to see Christ at the center of our lives. The days following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas are days filled with this materialistic mentality. Advent is a voice far different then this because we are not being called to enter into the machine of materialism, but are being called to prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christ. Our needs and our wants should be brought on Christmas Day to Christ born inside of the manager. In the lowliness of this place we encounter the great king of the universe. We encounter the king who would suffer and die upon the cross for all of our sins. Despite this lowliness He would endure and now reigns in Heaven in hope to lead each of us away from all sin and fear, so that we can one day share in the glory of His Heavenly Kingdom.
This solemnity that is being celebrated today was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in hope to draw people's hearts and souls towards Christ. In his encyclical letter Quas Primas translated into English as In the First he made reference to the importance of this great solemnity. Pope Pius XI saw the problem that comes with growing nationalism and secularism and reminds the faithful inside of this letter of the importance of Christ being seen as the king who stands at the center of the world. The world cannot cut Christ off from its midst as it continues to grow and change, but instead we all need Christ all the more. This great concern that Pope Pius XI was speaking to inside of this letter is still being felt within our world today. The more that we grow and change it seems that we continue to make the excuse to banish Christ from our midst. This solemnity has been placed upon the liturgical calendar as reminder that this is not a possible option because Christ is the king who reigns in our midst each day.
From the dialogue between Christ and Pilate that is found inside of Saint John's Gospel we can gather three things about Christ as king. Firstly, we are told that Christ is a king, secondly we hear about the nature of His Kingdom, and finally we are told about all those who He reigns over. Pilate asks if Christ is a king, but Christ does not want to give a direct answer because he is not a king in the worldly sense that Pilate would understand. He also did not deny it because He was a king in a spiritual sense as King of Kings. The nature of His kingdom is being given with His response of "for this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." From this statement we can gather that all the faithful have been called to follow after Christ who gathers each of the faithful inside of His Kingdom. He finally closes by saying "everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Christ reigns as King over each of the faithful who are able to listen to His voice.
On this solemnity of Christ the King may we allow ourselves to listen to the voice of Christ. We must ask ourselves what things cling to our hearts and ears and helps to continually pull us away from this kingdom. Christ desires that we can all share within this kingdom one day, but if we are unable and unwilling to open up to his voice of love how can we ever hope to accomplish this task? If we continue to be fed by the longing of materialism how can we ever hope to be filled by Christ who desires that we will listen to His voice? May we use this day and the whole season of Advent to separate ourselves from this sense of loss and finally commit ourselves fully to the voice of Christ which comforts all of our needs. No matter what these needs may be for us may we understand that Christ is prepared to receive each of them and give us guidance in our time of need. Gathering each of these longings together Christ gives hope to each of us that one day we can dwell with Him in the Kingdom of God.
This Kingdom that we have been invited to share is a Kingdom of truth and justice. It is a Kingdom of peace and joy. It is a Kingdom where love, holiness, life, and grace reigns at all times. With all of the fears and needs that we might have may we allow this Kingdom to become our primary goal within our lives. May we look to Christ our triumphant King with great hope and joy because His Kingdom is everlasting. All majesty and splendor is His because without Christ we are left with nothing. May we no longer allow ourselves to be filled by passing desires, but may we allow our attention to be placed upon Christ the King. Through this King this great Kingdom is shown to us where we can receive every longing that we might have. The Lord is great and is clothed in majesty as He reaches out to us with love. May we reciprocate with this love that is being shown to us in order to draw ourselves closer to Christ's Kingdom.
In our world we build up our own kingdoms surrounded by the many needs that we have. In building up each of these individual kingdoms we store up many worldly treasures for ourselves without always allowing ourselves to see Christ at the center of our lives. The days following Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas are days filled with this materialistic mentality. Advent is a voice far different then this because we are not being called to enter into the machine of materialism, but are being called to prepare ourselves for the arrival of Christ. Our needs and our wants should be brought on Christmas Day to Christ born inside of the manager. In the lowliness of this place we encounter the great king of the universe. We encounter the king who would suffer and die upon the cross for all of our sins. Despite this lowliness He would endure and now reigns in Heaven in hope to lead each of us away from all sin and fear, so that we can one day share in the glory of His Heavenly Kingdom.
This solemnity that is being celebrated today was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in hope to draw people's hearts and souls towards Christ. In his encyclical letter Quas Primas translated into English as In the First he made reference to the importance of this great solemnity. Pope Pius XI saw the problem that comes with growing nationalism and secularism and reminds the faithful inside of this letter of the importance of Christ being seen as the king who stands at the center of the world. The world cannot cut Christ off from its midst as it continues to grow and change, but instead we all need Christ all the more. This great concern that Pope Pius XI was speaking to inside of this letter is still being felt within our world today. The more that we grow and change it seems that we continue to make the excuse to banish Christ from our midst. This solemnity has been placed upon the liturgical calendar as reminder that this is not a possible option because Christ is the king who reigns in our midst each day.
From the dialogue between Christ and Pilate that is found inside of Saint John's Gospel we can gather three things about Christ as king. Firstly, we are told that Christ is a king, secondly we hear about the nature of His Kingdom, and finally we are told about all those who He reigns over. Pilate asks if Christ is a king, but Christ does not want to give a direct answer because he is not a king in the worldly sense that Pilate would understand. He also did not deny it because He was a king in a spiritual sense as King of Kings. The nature of His kingdom is being given with His response of "for this I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth." From this statement we can gather that all the faithful have been called to follow after Christ who gathers each of the faithful inside of His Kingdom. He finally closes by saying "everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice." Christ reigns as King over each of the faithful who are able to listen to His voice.
On this solemnity of Christ the King may we allow ourselves to listen to the voice of Christ. We must ask ourselves what things cling to our hearts and ears and helps to continually pull us away from this kingdom. Christ desires that we can all share within this kingdom one day, but if we are unable and unwilling to open up to his voice of love how can we ever hope to accomplish this task? If we continue to be fed by the longing of materialism how can we ever hope to be filled by Christ who desires that we will listen to His voice? May we use this day and the whole season of Advent to separate ourselves from this sense of loss and finally commit ourselves fully to the voice of Christ which comforts all of our needs. No matter what these needs may be for us may we understand that Christ is prepared to receive each of them and give us guidance in our time of need. Gathering each of these longings together Christ gives hope to each of us that one day we can dwell with Him in the Kingdom of God.
This Kingdom that we have been invited to share is a Kingdom of truth and justice. It is a Kingdom of peace and joy. It is a Kingdom where love, holiness, life, and grace reigns at all times. With all of the fears and needs that we might have may we allow this Kingdom to become our primary goal within our lives. May we look to Christ our triumphant King with great hope and joy because His Kingdom is everlasting. All majesty and splendor is His because without Christ we are left with nothing. May we no longer allow ourselves to be filled by passing desires, but may we allow our attention to be placed upon Christ the King. Through this King this great Kingdom is shown to us where we can receive every longing that we might have. The Lord is great and is clothed in majesty as He reaches out to us with love. May we reciprocate with this love that is being shown to us in order to draw ourselves closer to Christ's Kingdom.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
33rd Sun in OT Year B Homily
For anyone who has even grown up glancing at the many tabloids that surround us when we checkout at a grocery store we are constantly being reminded that the end of time is drawing near. These tabloids have made many predictions, but despite all of them we still find ourselves here this day. The most pressing prediction comes 33 days from now when the Mian calendar comes to a close. A small percentage of people are convinced that this will be the prediction that will finally come true. In our readings today we also hear this very grim announcement that time will come to an end. All of us know that this is true because even if we are not here for the end of the world there will come a time when we will meet our own death. It is something that we cannot avoid. For all of us here inside of this Church we only have to look ahead a few weeks to see that our liturgical year is quickly coming to an end. With the end of this liturgical year we are promised to enter into a new one and from here be able to continue to experience the mysteries of Christ's birth, death, and Resurrection.
The perfect tabloid headline should read: "But of that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." If we are to take these words to heart we should do something with them. We should do something that can put these words into practice, so that we can go into the world and be transformed from the darkness that can be found within. As the small percentage of people that are convinced that the Mian calendar's end is a sign to follow and therefore become prepared with a countless amount of supplies that might be necessary for survival. May we take this example in our own spiritual lives as we prepare ourselves each day to come into complete union with God. If we allow ourselves to be cunning enough to wait for the last minute to be brought into conversion we will find that we were nothing more then fools.
Let us not be foolish and pass by this headline as we have passed by the many absurd tabloids and their claims. The claim that is being made within today's Gospel is very true and is something that we will never be able to escape. Let us therefore hear these words and not quickly banish them from our minds, but allow them to truly soak into our very being. As these words begin to soak into our hearts and souls we should ask ourselves what is standing in the way of allowing ourselves to be drawn to Christ out of love. What are the sinful inclinations that are keeping us from "shining brightly" and thus keeping us in the darkness of night? No matter where we find ourselves spiritually we must ask ourselves what ways we will continue to challenge ourselves each day to hear the voice of Christ that is constantly calling out to us out of love. This great love is most perfectly expressed in our second reading when we heard that Christ was crucified upon the cross for each of our sins, and from this great gift comes the hope that we can be transformed like the wise who shall shine brightly.
And so my brothers and sisters in Christ as this liturgical year begins to draw to a close and from it we know that a new one will spring up and take its place. As we know that we are not immortal here on this earth and therefore a day will come when we will meet death. Let us begin to evaluate the ways that we can begin to follow after Christ fully. Let us evaluate the ways that we can be aided in not being surprised by this reality, but instead finding ourselves fully prepared for what is to come. May we no longer allow ourselves to pass by this headline without ceasing to question ourselves of how prepared are we actually, and how much do we only try to fool ourselves into thinking that we are fine and have nothing more that we need to give to Christ and His Church. We must not be foolish because as the end of the liturgical year is only the beginning of a new one; the end of life is the promise of life eternal.
May we heed this headline this day as we prepare ourselves to spend the rest of our lives sharing in the beatific vision of Heaven. May we do everyone that is possible to not be lazy and idle, but to fully hand ourselves over to Christ. Handing ourselves over in all of our fears, needs, and desires with the great great hope that our needs will be heard and provided for. May we take it upon ourselves to enter more and more each day into the life of the Church. Allowing ourselves to be nourished by the word of God and the teachings of the Church. Allowing ourselves to trust in the healing realities of the Sacraments especially the Body and Blood of Christ that will enter into our lives at this sacrifice of the Mass. May we also trust in that forgotten Sacrament of Reconciliation and come forward acknowledging that we are sinners who are in need of healing. Also from the busy world we must make time for quiet and thus make time for prayer. If we allow the presence of God to escape from our lives how can we ever hope to enter into this relationship with Him and finally hand ourselves over to conversion? May we heed this headline this day and not continue to take it for granted as if we have as much time as we need. Christ is our portion and cup and is ready for us to not delay, but to come to Him now so that we can receive the inheritance that He desires to bring into our lives.
The perfect tabloid headline should read: "But of that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." If we are to take these words to heart we should do something with them. We should do something that can put these words into practice, so that we can go into the world and be transformed from the darkness that can be found within. As the small percentage of people that are convinced that the Mian calendar's end is a sign to follow and therefore become prepared with a countless amount of supplies that might be necessary for survival. May we take this example in our own spiritual lives as we prepare ourselves each day to come into complete union with God. If we allow ourselves to be cunning enough to wait for the last minute to be brought into conversion we will find that we were nothing more then fools.
Let us not be foolish and pass by this headline as we have passed by the many absurd tabloids and their claims. The claim that is being made within today's Gospel is very true and is something that we will never be able to escape. Let us therefore hear these words and not quickly banish them from our minds, but allow them to truly soak into our very being. As these words begin to soak into our hearts and souls we should ask ourselves what is standing in the way of allowing ourselves to be drawn to Christ out of love. What are the sinful inclinations that are keeping us from "shining brightly" and thus keeping us in the darkness of night? No matter where we find ourselves spiritually we must ask ourselves what ways we will continue to challenge ourselves each day to hear the voice of Christ that is constantly calling out to us out of love. This great love is most perfectly expressed in our second reading when we heard that Christ was crucified upon the cross for each of our sins, and from this great gift comes the hope that we can be transformed like the wise who shall shine brightly.
And so my brothers and sisters in Christ as this liturgical year begins to draw to a close and from it we know that a new one will spring up and take its place. As we know that we are not immortal here on this earth and therefore a day will come when we will meet death. Let us begin to evaluate the ways that we can begin to follow after Christ fully. Let us evaluate the ways that we can be aided in not being surprised by this reality, but instead finding ourselves fully prepared for what is to come. May we no longer allow ourselves to pass by this headline without ceasing to question ourselves of how prepared are we actually, and how much do we only try to fool ourselves into thinking that we are fine and have nothing more that we need to give to Christ and His Church. We must not be foolish because as the end of the liturgical year is only the beginning of a new one; the end of life is the promise of life eternal.
May we heed this headline this day as we prepare ourselves to spend the rest of our lives sharing in the beatific vision of Heaven. May we do everyone that is possible to not be lazy and idle, but to fully hand ourselves over to Christ. Handing ourselves over in all of our fears, needs, and desires with the great great hope that our needs will be heard and provided for. May we take it upon ourselves to enter more and more each day into the life of the Church. Allowing ourselves to be nourished by the word of God and the teachings of the Church. Allowing ourselves to trust in the healing realities of the Sacraments especially the Body and Blood of Christ that will enter into our lives at this sacrifice of the Mass. May we also trust in that forgotten Sacrament of Reconciliation and come forward acknowledging that we are sinners who are in need of healing. Also from the busy world we must make time for quiet and thus make time for prayer. If we allow the presence of God to escape from our lives how can we ever hope to enter into this relationship with Him and finally hand ourselves over to conversion? May we heed this headline this day and not continue to take it for granted as if we have as much time as we need. Christ is our portion and cup and is ready for us to not delay, but to come to Him now so that we can receive the inheritance that He desires to bring into our lives.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
32nd Sun of OT Year B Homily
Our nation has been blessed by giving us many freedoms. On Tuesday we were able to practice our freedom to vote for our president and for other elected officials. Compared to other countries we have many opportunities and an endless amount of options. No matter how tough the economic situation has become for our families we can still pride ourselves on the fact that we are far from being in the situation that many find themselves within poorer nations. Our zeal as a people to take from our own resources to give to those who are in need is indeed a great attribute of our society. We have most recently seen this played out following the outcome of Hurricane Sandy a few weeks ago. Despite all the good that we do our nation has become very individualistic. We pride ourselves on our individual rights and thus at the end of the day become concerned with our own needs instead of the needs of the whole. This same individualism flows into our understanding of religion and our understanding of God and the doctrine of the Church.
As Catholics we are not able to step into the cafeteria line and choose the things that appeal to us the most while leaving other items off of the menu. With Catholicism we must take the whole and apply it to our lives in hope that we can grow closer to God. When we walk forth inside of the communion line to receive our Lord inside of the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar and confidently respond "Amen" we are saying that we don't want to be a mere individual. With our "amen" we are showing our desire to enter into the community of faith and are agreeing that we believe as the Church professes. We believe because we realize that we are more then a mere individual and therefore need the Church, the Sacraments, the people of God who surround us this day, and Christ. When we can place all of our trust in the Church and in Christ we will receive many graces into our lives as we move along to praise The Lord with our whole soul and mind.
Whenever sin creeps into our human experience we are allowing ourselves to turn inwardly upon ourselves and our own needs instead of being able to see the needs of the whole. Sin causes us to be stuck within our own needs and our own self pride instead of allowing us to open ourselves up to the love that is bestowed upon us by God. No matter how much we fall into these sinful attitudes hope remains that this bond can be broken. Hope remains that we can turn away from these desires and place ourselves upon a path where we hand ourselves over entirely towards God. To hand ourselves over to God entirely is a scary response because it can require a lot from us. This response requires more then one hour on Sunday, but to allow it to enter into every second of our lives. This response requires us to trust in the Church and all of the teachings that she hands on to us because they are the teachings of Christ Himself. May we allow Christ to take everything that we have and assist us in this process.
The woman who is found in today's Gospel is a perfect example for all of us to follow Christ. She did not decide to give a percentage, be it small or large, but gave everything that she had. With the offering that she gave inside of the temple she had nothing left to give. It would of been so easy for her to be like the many people who brought their offerings to the temple holding something back. Of all these people only this woman was able to give and hold nothing back from God. In the time that it took her to draw close to the temple she had a lot of time to prepare her mind for what she was about to do. I am sure that during this journey she had some doubts, but she still was able to overcome them and endure until the end. Her faith was so great because in giving she knew that she would receive so much more from God if she could only place her trust in Him. This day each of us desires to take up her example as we desire not to be mere individuals, but to trust in Christ and in the Church so much more each day.
With out trust placed here we will hear the voice of Elijah that says "do not be afraid." We must not be afraid because Christ is here in our midst and desires us to join with Him this day. Joined to Christ we will see the beauty that can only be found when we leave our individualistic desires behind. The faith is not about serving our own needs and wants, but is about handing ourselves over entirely to God. With ourselves handed over in this manner we will receive more grace then we could ever desire or need. We become like the widow who in the first reading whose jar never went empty and whose oil never went dry when we are able to hand ourselves over to Christ in this way. It is Christ who brings strength and joy into our lives if we will only allow Him to enter in instead of molding Him into our own image. We must trust as the author of Hebrews trusted in our second reading when it was said that salvation will be brought to those who await Christ.
And so for all of us here who await Christ this day we must ask ourselves how we can begin to give more to Christ and His Church. We must ask ourselves what sins that we grasp onto and are too afraid to hand over to Christ. We must ask ourselves where we fail to believe in the teachings of the Church. We must ask ourselves why we stay stuck in our own individualism and cannot begin to fight for the good of the community as a whole. We must ask ourselves how we can grow more in faith during this upcoming year. May we place all of our trust in Christ and His Church as we begin to hand over everything that we have in emulation of the two women that were found in today's readings. They are perfect examples for all of us no matter where we find ourselves spiritually today because we can always be challenged to something more. May we continue to allow our souls to praise The Lord as we draw ourselves closer to Him each day of our lives.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
32nd Sun of OT Year B: Rite of Enrollment Homily
Today we gather together with our confirmation class in our midst. On this day they present themselves before us in this public manner to present themselves to the Church as individuals who plan on taking the next step in their sacramental life of the Church. Today they will sign their names and make their promises known before each of us who are here today. They will also make their promises known to God the Most High on this day. This dedication that is given by each of them requires a lot of time and effort in our world that tells us that we have no time to commit ourselves to religion. Despite this echoing voice that persists from our world we are called to commit ourselves entirely. We cannot only commit ourselves when we have time or agree with the doctrine of the Church, but must apply ourselves fully. We cannot only give a little bit of our time or follow our own desires because in doing so we will be holding something back from God.
The woman who is found in today's Gospel is a perfect example for all of us to follow Christ. She did not decide to give a percentage, be it small or large, but gave everything that she had. With the offering that she gave inside of the temple she had nothing left to give. It would of been so easy for her to be like the many people who brought their offerings to the temple holding something back. Of all these people only this woman was able to give and hold nothing back from God. In the time that it took her to draw close to the temple she had a lot of time to prepare her mind for what she was about to do. I am sure that during this journey she had some doubts, but she still was able to overcome them and endure until the end. Her faith was so great because in giving she knew that she would receive so much more from God if she could only place her trust in Him. This day each of us desires to take up her example especially those who are about to commit themselves to continue their study towards the Sacrament of Confirmation.
And so my dear young people I thank you for the commitment that you make this day. As the book that will be placed upon the Altar of Sacrifice will be signed by each of you; please keep in mind the commitment that you make this day. Realize that in approaching this book you are coming forth like the woman found in today's Gospel. You bring your fears and needs, and do not turn back out of fear. Instead you move forward bringing all that you have to this place by handing it over to God through your commitment to study the faith and with the grace of God to be Confirmed this upcoming year. I know that this world can be hostile to the faith and send many contrary messages to each of our minds. We are often given the false advice to do as we please because in the end we are all that is important. Your commitment today shows that this message is not true and that there truly is something valuable to be found inside of the faith. May each you continue to grow in this understanding as you give of yourselves entirely to the faith.
And so to each of us here today we are given great hope for the future. We have great hope placed in our youth who today commit themselves to continue on their path towards Confirmation. We have great hope in the parents and sponsors who join with them today to not lead them along by mere words, but by the commitment of their own hearts and deeds. We have great hope because we look to our teachers who devote so much of their time to help hand on the faith ,entirely and without biases due to personal feelings, along to this class. We have great hope because all of us are able to witness this take place within the context of this Mass. May each of be inspired this day with great hope to give entirely of ourselves to Christ and to His Church. May we hold nothing back as each of us who are gathered here this day continues our journey of faith. As we continue along this path may we continue to allow our souls to praise The Lord who calls us to hand over everything entirely to Him.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
31st Sun of OT Year B Homily
This past week has been a very busy time in the life of the Church. We had two days that were set aside, so that we could better be reminded of the challenge that comes to us in today's Gospel reading. From this reading we are being challenged to draw ourselves towards the "Kingdom of God" with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. Each of these four pillars should be built to better hold up our relationship with Christ that each day should be drawing us closer to this Heavenly Kingdom. If we remove any of these four pillars from this relationship everything will fall apart and we will be forced to rebuild again. Today we are given the hope that we can build these four pillars up within our lives and to keep them stable and standing for the sake of drawing ourselves closer to God while here on earth. God's Kingdom is indeed not far away if we can begin to trust and apply ourselves each day of our lives. May we begin today by analyzing the lives of those who have gone before us and allow ourselves to begin to build ourselves up heart, mind, soul, and strength in dedication and love to the God who is all good and worthy of our love.
On the 1st of November we celebrated the solemnity of All Saint's Day. On this day we are shown a special glimpse into Heaven and the reward that is found there. We all know of the daily struggle that is found within our lives, but within the lives of the saints of Heaven we are given hope that we can conquer each of these struggles. The saints were normal people just like each of us here today, but daily they were able to conform their hearts, souls, minds, and strength to the Gospel of Christ. They were willing to walk into a world filled with hostility towards the faith and continue to endure within its midst. They might of went through moments when their lives felt dry and empty, but in these feelings they continued to reach out towards Christ all the more. As we build up our lives to support Christ and His Kingdom here on earth may we reach out to these holy souls for the aid that they can bring into our lives.
If we glance at this table that stands before the altar of Sacrifice we will see 34 candles that represent each soul that has passed from this life from this parish in this past year. On the 2nd of November we gathered together to celebrate the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed. On this day also known as All Soul's Day we acknowledge the reality of death and the need for us us to pray for all of the faithful departed. Revelation 21:27 states that "nothing unclean will enter it" when speaking about Heaven. Purgatory is the state that the soul enters in order to have all their longings and needs purified so that they can be prepared to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. In this state known as Purgatory the hearts, souls, minds, and strength of the faithful departed are prepared to enter the Kingdom of God. With the Resurrection of Christ's body we are give great hope that death is not the end, but only the Beginning. May we continue to pray for all the faithful departed especially our family and friends that they may one day be able to join inside of the beatific vision. May these many souls that have gone before us remind us of the fact that life is fleeting.
And so we must ask ourselves what is keeping us from drawing near to the Kingdom of God right now. What is it that is keeping us from devoting our hearts, souls, minds, and strength to Christ who stands in our midst waiting for us to come to Him. Each person here can give a different answer, but no matter what our answer may be we are not being excused for our behavior. We instead are all being challenged to not be idle, but to grow closer to God each day. Each day we should evaluate what is taking place within our lives and reorient ourselves towards the Gospel of truth.
During this Sacrifice of the Mass we will receive Christ's Body and Blood. This spiritual food that comes to us to bring nourishment to our hearts and souls. Through this life giving nourishment we will be strengthened for the spiritual journeys that we must undertake. This sacramental food will prepare our minds to be forever drawn towards the Kingdom of God. This life giving food prepares our hearts, souls, minds, and strength to endure our daily spiritual battles for the sake of drawing near to the Kingdom of God. May we let each of those souls who came before us in our life be an example of the life that is to come when we are totally able to give ourselves up heart, soul, mind, and strength to The Lord our God. May we also allow each saint of Heaven to intercede for us this day, so that we can begin to be transformed towards the truth of the Gospel. The saints show us that this task of transformation of ourselves is possible if we can trust fully in Christ.
To be transformed heart, soul, mind, and strength towards Christ we will be prepared to enter into the world to treat our brothers and sisters as Christ would treat them. In acting in this manner we will be living out the reality that these two commandments are really one. If we are to fully love and trust in God; we should do the same with those who surround us. If we are to say that we are to love God we must also say that we will love his creation which is humanity. If we are to love humanity we must also be held in relation with God. The love of God is freely bestowed upon us and is not abusive; we therefore should mirror this love with our friends and family. We should not use them for the gain of our own pleasures, but should allow the love that is found inside of the Trinity to be found in all of our relationships. May we this day strive to build up our love for God in our hearts, souls, minds, and strength; allowing ourselves to better love God and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
Friday, November 2, 2012
All Soul's Day Homily
There are only two locations where we will spend the rest of our eternity. It is easy for us to say that Heaven is a reality. It is tougher to say that Hell is real and that there are really souls that find themselves there. When we speak about the after life we often fail to realize the reality of another state known as Purgatory. On this day we celebrate the Commemoration of the Faithful Departed where we acknowledge the need to pray for the dead. We extend our prayers to those souls who find themselves in Purgatory and pray that they will soon make it to the Heavenly Kingdom.
Concerning Heaven Revelation 21:27 states that "nothing unclean will enter it." We are again reminded in the Second Book of Maccabees that Judas the ruler of Israel "made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from sin." Purgatory is the state that the soul goes in order to be purified because only then will the soul be prepared to enter the presence of God who is all good. When the soul makes it to Heaven it will have no other desire or longing, but to be held in union with God. All sin and the need for worldly pleasure will be removed inside of Purgatory and thus the soul will be prepared for the reward of Heaven.
Yesterday we were reminded about the Church triumphant who had made their way to their Heavenly reward. On All Saint's Day we realized the countless amounts of saints ,known and unknown especially thanks to our 4th grade class, who have existed and continue to intercede in our lives. Today we acknowledge the need to mourn because many of us have been touched by the reality of death. We mourn the loss of those who we love, and that is okay because death is indeed a sad thing. Despite our mourning their is still room for hope because the reality of the Resurrection of the body remains. Death is not the end, but from it comes the hope of life eternal and the opportunity to dwell in union with God forever.
Today's Gospel reading gave us the important reminder of being prepared for that unknown hour when we will meet death. Now is the time to prepare ourselves because we do not know the time nor the hour. With the time that has been bestowed upon us we should begin to cleanse ourselves of all disordered passions. We should use this time to make our lives transformed, so that our lives can better reflect the truths that are found inside of the Gospel. Each of the saints used each day drawing themselves closer to God and we should do the same. It should be our goal in this life to not just get by, but to truly give ourselves to God out of love, so that we can grow close to the beatific vision of Heaven.
On this day we acknowledge the reality of death for ourselves and those who we have known. Death does not mark magic entrance into Heaven, but delivers hope of new life to all of us. We cannot forget our need to pray for the dead because this would do them a great injustice. This day we should join our prayers in this Mass for each of the deceased who we have known. In this action we will be like Judas the ruler of Israel who realized in Maccabees the important need to pray for the dead. At the conclusion of this Mass we will process to the columbarium and there pray for each of the deceased who lie in that place of rest. We will join our prayers together in hope that these souls may be able to achieve their Heavenly reward. Through our daily preparation we hope that we will join with them one day in the Heavenly Kingdom.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
All Saint's Day Homily
In our reading from Revelation we were told about the beauty and splendor that lies behind the white robe that was worn in the Heavenly court. This reading and the sight of this color should give hope to each of us who are here this day. This color reminds us of the perfection that each of the saints has earned through their faithfulness to God's holy Gospel. Hope exists because each of these men and women were able to enter into a world that might at times be hostile to the faith and somehow find a way to triumph over that hostility. The beginnings of their journey of faith started on the day of their baptism when their souls were cleansed from the stain of original sin through its life giving waters. From this humble beginning of which we have experienced they were sent in the world as humans to live a life worthy of the Heavenly Kingdom. I know that tough days existed for them, but they continued to find a way to triumph over sin and always remained in the midst of the mercy of God.
We can examine our world and see the darkness that has been brought into it. It is tough for each of us to become "white in the blood of the Lamb." Everywhere we look we are bombarded with the image that sex sells. We live in a fast pace world that never gives us any time to take a break for prayer. We know countless amounts of people who are sick and suffering and know not what to do to give them aid. We fear for ourselves and our families because we do not know what the future has in store for us. We know the Church's teachings concerning marriage and its openness to life, but cannot trust what the result may be if we place our trust in this great gift. We hold grudges against our neighbors for some past transgression that we now cannot remember, but we hold onto our pride instead of trusting in the power of reconciliation. We spend many nights in prayer concerning our children because they have left the faith and now walk down a slippery road. Due to divorce or the death of a loved one we feel as if we have been left alone with nowhere to turn to fill this void.
Thankfully we can say that the saints have been there and done that. Saint Martha prayed each day concerning her son and he eventually returned to the faith. Speaking of Saint Augustine he lived a life filled with sexual sin, but upon hearing the call of Christ was able to become one of the Church's greatest teachers. Saint Gianna Berreta Molla, pregnant with her fourth child, refused to have an abortion and gave an example that being open to life must exist within the Sacrament of Marriage. Padre Pio is a sign of the great forgiveness that is found inside of the Church through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and gives us the encouragement to continue to seek it out. In our modern day saints seem to no-longer exist, but we don't have to look any further then seven and a half years ago when Blessed John Paul II gave us the example of how we should except suffering and death. Of course we also have the Blessed Virgin Mary who gives hope to each of us as she continues to draw us closer into communion with Her Son, Jesus Christ. Each saint of the Church contains their own story and gives hope to us who hear these stories. We are like them because we are on a path towards God. Sin and temptation creeps into life, but hope still exists that it can be overcome.
As we gather this day for All Saint's we come here to venerate each of these holy men and women. We realize that in their lives came many challenges, but somehow they were able to give of themselves fully living out each of the beatitudes that were found in today's Gospel. We pray on this day that we may become more like them and in return may become "white in the blood of the lamb." This great solemnity of the Church brings us to the banquet of The Lord where we are able to glance at each of these holy men and women who have given hope to our lives on this day. They remind us in the words of Gaudium et Spes: "Caught in this conflict, man is obliged to wrestle constantly if he is to cling to what is good, nor can he achieve his own integrity without great efforts and the help of God's grace."
And so it is with all of us here on this earth today. Each of us must continue to exist within this conflict where we must constantly wrestle against sin and despair. Through our own talents alone we will always come up short, but trusting in the grace that is given to us by God there is truly hope to be found. There is hope for this great multitude of people who make up the Church to one day come into complete union with God through the beatific vision. This is the hope that we acknowledge tomorrow on All Soul's Day when we gather to pray for all those souls who have gone before us. May we allow their example to lead towards constant conversion to Christ.
In our first reading Saint John saw "a great multitude" in Heaven who had "survived the time of great distress." These are the saints of Heaven whom we venerate this day as we continue to go to war with the darkness of sin, the loss of hope, and the failure of faith. Great light is brought to us from them because we are shown that it is possible to overcome sin to join in the beatific vision of God. Hope is given to each of us because we see that there is something more out there that we can turn towards in our time of need. Faith is returned to our hearts because they point the way towards God out to us. Through their veneration we are brought closer to God and shown that returning to God as His spiritual children will help us to become pure of heart. On this great day we are shown that Heaven is real and is doable. We are shown that even in the state of sin and despair; hope remains for us who can always trust in God's grace. The saints were a people who longed to see the face of God; may we have this same desire in our lives and allow them to intercede for us as we continue to make our journey of faith.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
30 Sun of OT Year B Homily
Our Church teaches that we need to follow our conscience. That is true, but we often fail to mention that your conscience must be well formed. Because you hold something to be true does not mean that it suddenly pops into existence as truth for you alone. No matter how our conscience is formed we must still abide by objective truth. The Church in its wisdom is very rich and has a lot to offer to each of us if we are willing to open our eyes to that wisdom. The wisdom that the Church shares with each of us is the wisdom that Christ desires to share with the world. None of us are off the hook when it comes to allowing ourselves to be educated inside of the faith, so that we may truly be able to form our consciences. With a well formed conscience we can enter into the world and evaluate for ourselves what is the objective truth within it. We can enter into situations of morality and not be pulled along by popular opinion, but be truly led into seeing the truth of the Gospel. The truth of the Gospel is not fluid and changing, but stands firm throughout all time.
In our Gospel we encounter this man who was saved through his faith. He did not merely call to Christ on one occasion, but continued to persist that Christ would have mercy upon him. With each cry that was uttered from his mouth he continued to draw closer into union with Christ. His continued persistence was his ability to form his conscience around Christ who would bring sight into his life. He did not lose hope when he did not receive a quick response to his demands, but continued to endure inside of the presence of Christ. Standing in the presence of Christ his faith was formed around this divine teacher who now stood before him. We likewise should place ourselves before this divine teacher and allow our hearts and souls to be formed in His midst. In the midst of Christ we can cry out from the crowd and have sight brought to our eyes as we allow our consciences to be formed not by society, but by the Church and Christ.
As we continue to search for this knowledge of truth we must realize that we are not being called to go through the motions of the faith. We are instead being called to a deeper relationship with Christ. This deep relationship can only come about if we realize that our call to grow deeper in our faith is a life long challenge that comes to us. We are being challenged each day to grow more in the image of Christ and thus allowing ourselves to be educated in the faith. We must be educated in both scripture and in the tradition of the faith that we share. Pope Benedict XVI recently said "the ignorance of the faith puts Christians at risk of following a do-it yourself religion." We should allow our study of scripture and the tradition of the Church to penetrate into our lives and to strengthen our faith in Christ. With our strength found here we will not be led into the error of believing what we want, but will allow our consciences to be formed towards the truth of the Gospel.
All that we encounter within the world should be informed by faith. Under no circumstance can we separate ourselves from faith. Faith should be present within our families, friends, schools, work, and politics. If we form our hearts and souls within the faith each of these areas will be touched by the Gospel of truth. If a separation continues to take place we will continue to allow ourselves to slowly move farther and farther away from truth, which will bring us to a world that wants to except anything as morally acceptable if it can bring instant pleasure into our lives. If we allow our consciences to be formed within this Spirit of truth we will be led towards the "Father of Israel" who will keep us from stumbling. Through trust inside of the faith, in Holy Scripture, and in the sacred tradition of the Church we can always be led towards Christ the High Priest. Christ the High Priest stands before us this day desiring to give sight to our eyes only if we can surrender ourselves over to Him through faith.
Unless you have been living under a rock you know the presidential election will soon be taking place. We have now heard three debates from each of the main party candidates who desire to earn our vote. For those who have yet to cast their vote inside of the election I encourage you to do so through faith and by following your well formed conscience. We should not vote out of ignorance of facts or due to a party allegiance. We should do what we can to educate ourselves fully concerning the candidates and weighing their issues together to see who is most deserving of our vote. There are many issues that our nation currently faces, but above all we should desire to protect the faith that we share. Through protecting the faith we will be protecting the life of each human person including the child within the womb, protecting the freedom of religion within our nation, having concern for the poor and the elderly, concern for the respect of life for all immigrants, and the desire to protect the family from all harm. To vote is a big deal and therefore it should be prayed about and done through the lens of faith.
All we do in our lives should be done to serve our faith. We should allow ourselves to take each step necessary to draw ourselves closer to this reality. Our challenge to grow closer to Christ each day through continued education is a challenge for each of us. Allowing our consciences to be formed inside of this same faith and to allow it to flow into every crevice of our lives is also challenging. As most of you know during our collection today we will be taking up your pledges for this upcoming financial year. I thank each of you for your commitment for this upcoming year. For all of those who have yet to do so I encourage you to take this time to fill out your form. For the rest of you I encourage you to pray about the gift that you can give this parish in this upcoming year. Your commitment helps this parish to keep its doors open and to continue to serve the faith. This commitment helps to spread the sight of faith to our school and to our community through our many ministries. May God bless you for your pledge and continue to guide each of you in your growth of faith.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Memorial of Blessed John Paul II Homily
"Do not be afraid. Open, open I say the doors for Christ." These were the words which were spoken by Blessed John Paul II thirty four years ago on the day of his consecration as pope. It is hard to believe that it has been seven and a half years since his death which proves that there are modern day saints within our Church. It is amazing that his journey towards sainthood has been moving so quickly. We examine the popular demand of many people who see his actions and how they were totally devoted to Christ. No matter what he faced inside of his life especially as the pope he would open his heart to Christ. In the sufferings and pain that would come later in his life he would remain devoted not to fear, but to Christ. His devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, rosary, prayer, and confession are examples to each of us who desire to open ourselves up to Christ. His life was not built around storing up treasures for himself, but was given in order to grow rich in matters of God.
What is it that we fear? Why are we so afraid to open our doors for Christ? What will we lose if we make Christ central in all the actions of our life? We cannot be afraid that opening ourselves up to Christ will force us to lose something that we hold as precious. Instead of holding onto these mere earthly possessions we should be willing to surrender all out of love for God. With our lives open totally to God we will grow rich because Christ will be present within our lives. With this friendship the doors of life will finally be opened wide because we will receive all that we need. When we are able to hand over our fears and pains to Christ we will receive hundredfold and will receive all that we will ever need. May each of the this day to make time for God in prayer. May we not fear the demands that will enter into our lives through this relationship. "Do not be afraid. Open, open I say the doors for Christ."
Sunday, October 14, 2012
28th Sun of OT Year B Homily
As we enter into this "Year of Faith" our bishop has given us four very obtainable goals to accomplish during this upcoming year. We realize that our world has been effected by a loss of faith; that even at times extends into our own lives. Despite this lack of faith that may be present we are invited to spend this upcoming year to draw ourselves closer to the reality of Christ and His Church. In our Gospel we found a man who desired to find a way to make his faith become manifest. Christ's response was total surrender of himself on behalf of the Gospel. This total surrender would allow nothing to become more important then God who should always be held at the primary place of our faith. As we enter into this year we join in this perseverance of faith allowing ourselves to use each day that has been bestowed upon us to continue to grow in this path. The world has many voices which attempt to conquer the voice of faith, but we cannot allow these voices to get in our way as we continue to grow in union with Christ's love.
The Ten Commandments and the charge to hand over everything for the love of Christ was given to this man. Our bishop has challenged us for this "Year of Faith" to rediscover the importance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we examine our own lives we realize that their are times when sin has come into our lives and we have given in to turn away from the infinite love of God. Reconciliation is our way to come before Christ the Healer and receive the forgiveness of sins when we realize that we have turned away from God and the commandments that have been give to us. Through the confession of sins we will be able to give up everything that we have for the sake of following after Christ. Thankfully our parish has added many opportunities to join in this Sacrament of Healing. Following our 8am Mass on Wednesday and Saturday and from 4-5pm on Saturday we are able to partake of this Sacrament. May we allow Confession to lead us towards the Holy Eucharist which will aid our faith in its growth.
During this "Year of Faith" we must allow the word of God to penetrate into our hearts and souls. To hear the word of God is to be challenged and to live it out within the world. We cannot be "Catholic" when we are inside of the Church and then partake of acts that are contrary to the faith when we leave Church behind at the end of the day. This year challenges us to realize that we are the hands and face of Christ to all people whom we encounter. If we are to be the hands and face of Christ we cannot allow ourselves to only be this way for the hour that we are here on Sunday, but for each day of our lives. To grow in our faith during this upcoming year we must seek out ways where we can grow more in our relationship with Christ. Partaking of time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, serving those in need in our Food Pantry, attending a study group, or praying the Holy Rosary are all ways that we can make time in this busy world for our faith to begin to grow anew.
As we spend time during this upcoming year dwelling upon "faith" and its importance inside of our lives we are able to see the beauty of the Church as it leads us into relationship with Christ. From the height of "faith" we realize the great wisdom that the Church contains as She expresses it to the whole world. Each of us find ourselves on a journey where we cannot fool ourselves into thinking that we know everything, but realize that we need to continue to grow in our understanding of "faith." The Bishop has challenged us to use the Creed as a daily prayer that will help to lead us during this "Year of Faith." Through its use we are able to see the wisdom that lies behind the Church and see the great task that lies before us to continue to express our faith each day. In this world that wants to claim that faith in God is worthless, we are able to be the voice of wisdom. Through our preparation during this upcoming year may each of us grow closer Christ and grow in our "faith" which fills us with joy.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Bishop Stika's Letter on Year of Faith
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
This past Thursday, the 11th of October, we marked the beginning of the Year of Faith and the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council whose mission it was to help us grow deeper in our understanding of the richness of the Catholic faith.
I want to encourage each of you to use this particular occasion to prayerfully reflect upon what you could do personally to make this Year of Faith fruitful. With this being said, I want to encourage you to consider doing the following:
1) Increase your daily prayer life to include the Profession of Faith that we pray in the form of the Nicene Creed.
2) Frequent the Sacrament of Confession. As medicine is for the body, confession is health care of the soul. Also, avail yourself of the special plenary indulgences that are offered during the Year of Faith, that help to better purify us for our heavenly reward.
3) Increase your involvement in your parish community with the gift of your time, prayer, and resources such as participating in Scriptural studies, making Holy Hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament or helping to start or maintain a St. Vincent de Paul Society in your parish.
4) Take every opportunity to be the hands and face of Jesus to all you encounter.
We must always keep in mind that our faith should never be static, but active in charity, for every call to action is first of all a call to prayer, and every prayer is incomplete unless it leads us to a greater love of God and our neighbor.
In one of those wonderful coincidences, the Church’s Year of Faith coincides with our own diocesan “year of preparation” that will culminate with our 25th Jubilee Anniversary and our very first “Eucharistic Congress” on September 14th, 2013. This very special family weekend at the Sevierville Events Center will then kick off our Jubilee “year of celebration” throughout our diocese. As a part of both the Year of Faith and our year of preparation for the Jubilee and its year of celebration that will follow, each parish will have the opportunity to participate in a faith formation program during the next three seasons of Lent called “Living the Eucharist.”
Finally, please continue to pray for all of our clergy and religious who help bring the faith to all of us. Pray also for the continued blessing of vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious and consecrated life.
Please be assured of my continued prayers for all of you. May God bless you.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Richard F. Stika
Bishop of Knoxville
Sunday, October 7, 2012
27th Sun of OT Year B Homily
Why in the world would anyone commit themselves to the Sacrament of Marriage. We have been bombarded by many imagines which show that marriage is an outdated institution that no longer serves a purpose. Even if you desire to enter into marriage your partner can quickly be casted off when they no longer live up to your expectations. We are constantly reminded of the high divorce rate and are told that entering into such an institution is setting yourself up for failure. In a culture that quickly wants to be served instead of to serve; it is indeed very difficult for marriage to seem important and to endure forever. To enter into marriage is contrary to this notion because it is founded upon true love and the giving of self. Marriage is a means for a person to reach salvation because they were able to successfully live out a life where they gave of themselves to another out of love. Despite the grim outlook that our culture shines upon marriage we should be given great hope that the institution of marriage can transform society.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 1644: "The love of the spouses requires, of its very nature, the unity and indissolubility of the spouses' community of persons, which embraces their entire life: "so they are no longer two, but one flesh." They "are called to grow continually in their communion through day-to-day fidelity to their marriage promise of total mutual self-giving." This human communion is confirmed, purified, and completed by communion in Jesus Christ, given through the sacrament of Matrimony. It is deepened by lives of the common faith and by the Eucharist received together." Mark's Gospel is speaking to this statement made by the Catechism. In this account Jesus reminds us that man and woman were called into communion from the beginning of time and therefore shall not be separated. In his statement he is calling those who enter into marriage to a higher level where they can transcend human emotions to join together to give of self for the sake of the Kingdom.
We therefore should pray for each married couple who is in this Church today. Especially those who have recently committed themselves to this state of life. Also, those who have endured within this Sacrament and continue to learn of God's manifest love through their relationship. As with any commitment that is made; there are good days and bad days. Hopefully as your relationship continues to mature you will allow your relationship to draw you closer to God's divine light each day. This divine light becomes covered up when we get caught up in ourselves and in our own needs. Through coming together inside of this bond of love this divine light can be let loose into your relationship. If we fail to allow Christ to enter into marriage how can we ever hope to see any hope or reward from this Sacrament? Christ must remain at the heart of marriage because the love that is shown inside of the Trinity is mutual and self giving. In marriage we mirror this relationship in hope that our love will not be abusive but self giving.
We should also pray for all those in marriages that have ended in divorce. I know and understand that their are people here who have been touched by its grasp. I cannot imagine the sense of loss that is felt when everything that you have worked for has been taken away and you now find yourself alone. Despite this very unfortunate situation that has taken place within your life Christ continues to desire to bring His love and mercy into your lives. Realize that despite your broken relationship that Christ is still present with you and desires that healing can be brought into your life. By the fact that you are still here; you realize that the Church is still central to your spiritual life. The Eucharist and Confession should remain central as it does for each of us Here. Even if you are separated from the Sacraments of the Church you are still invited to partake in prayer, attend the Mass, and to grow each day in conformity with Christ the Divine Healer.
In this age where the understanding of marriage is broken we need to also pray for each of our youth. Our youth are the future of the Church when we look at things from the perspective of marriage. Our youth will be our future parents and priests. Therefore we should take every opportunity possible to begin to prepare them for this reality now. Prayer must be central in one's life if they are ever to hear the voice of God. The vocation to the priesthood, religious life, and the married state has God at its heart and therefore should be done in conjunction with His Divine Will. If a couple has never prayed about marriage; how can they be for sure that this is their vocation and the person who they should spend the rest of their life with? For the two to join together as one flesh should not be taken lightly because our motive is a misunderstanding of love. Love is something that is greater then a mere filling because it is an outpouring of yourself in the good times, which come easily, and the bad times, which require us to work harder.
May we allow Christ to work within our lives to strengthen us in our vocations. May those in the married life allow Christ to enter into all areas of their relationship. Christ will give strength to your relationship if you allow Him to enter into it! All actions that take place in our lives should not to be served, but to serve. We are called to follow after Christ's example of giving of Himself out of love. May we allow the love of God to be expressed within our relationships by not using other people as an object, but seeing Christ who dwells within them. If we can begin to allow these actions to take place we will be able to change the world's grim view concerning marriage. May The Lord continue to bless us all the days of our lives.
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